16. Miss Wardasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in connection with matters relating to British prisoners of war, a British agent has been appointed to work from Geneva in co-operation with the International Red Cross?
§ Captain MargessonNo, Sir. This question was recently raised by the British Red Cross Society with the International Red Cross Committee, and, after careful consideration, it was decided that such an appointment was unnecessary.
Miss WardWas this decision taken by agreement with Mr. Adams, who has been recently appointed to deal with that particular aspect of the matter?
§ Captain MargessonI could not say that offhand; but this case, which was nicely balanced, was argued out very carefully, and it was thought best, in the main, to leave things as they are.
§ Sir William DavisonWas any reason given by the International Red Cross as to why the British Red Cross, or any other national Red Cross, should not have a representative—not necessarily a national of the country concerned—at Geneva, to inform them as to the position?
§ Captain MargessonAs I have said, the matter was looked at very carefully; and it was thought that the interests of the British Red Cross as a whole would best be served by relying on the International Red Cross.
§ Mr. McGovernIf the Minister decided to send representatives, would he not require three—one from each of the political parties?
§ 18. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that while the British Red Cross announced in December last, that relations could send personal parcels of tobacco or cigarettes to prisoners of war, very few of these parcels have been received; and whether or not these parcels have since been banned by the Red Cross as not really necessary?
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Allan Chapman)I have been asked to reply. I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to parcels of tobacco and cigarettes which may be sent by relatives through firms holding a special permit from the Censorship Department. This scheme was introduced at the end of November, 1940. The British Red Cross Society is not concerned with or responsible for it. I am aware that these parcels have suffered delay owing to transport difficulties. These difficulties are, however, gradually being overcome 1375 and parcels are now arriving in the camps in Germany in large numbers. I have no reason to believe that these tobacco parcels are not among them.
§ Sir A. KnoxSo that relatives can continue to send these parcels as before?
§ Mr. ChapmanThrough the firms holding permits only.
§ 40. Sir A. Knoxasked the Postmaster-General, whether he has yet been able to arrange for the conveyance by air-mail, between Lisbon and Germany, of correspondence with prisoners of war in Germany; and what is now the average time taken by letters in transit from Britain to Germany, and vice versa?
§ Mr. ChapmanThe reciprocal conveyance of prisoner of war letter mail between Germany and the United Kingdom by the German and British air services has been agreed in principle, and a decision is awaited from the. German Government as to the date on which the scheme shall be introduced whereby letters to and from British prisoners in Germany will be carried by air between Lisbon and Germany. Meanwhile, all letters and cards from British prisoners in Germany are brought by air from Lisbon to this country, and the time taken in transit is, generally, two to three weeks. It is assumed that letters sent by air mail from this country to Germany take about the same time to reach Germany. Letters sent by sea take several weeks longer.
§ Sir A. KnoxWhen that reform starts what will be the estimated time for the passage of letters between England and prisoners of war in Germany?
§ Mr. ChapmanI would rather not commit my right hon. Friend. It is a matter for speculation at present. We must see how the thing works before we can make a statement.